Woodworking blog entries tagged with 'traditional woodworking'

In the above video I show a simple tutorial on how to make a wooden straight edge for traditional woodworking.
A straight edge is an essential measuring tool used when flattening & straightening your boards, and a perfect beginner’s project to hone your traditional hand tool woodworking skills!
WOODEN STRAIGHT EDGE vs. METAL STRAIGHT EDGE
Why would traditional woodworkers want to use a wooden straight edge when they can purchase precision-ground metal straight edge...

What happens to modern woodworkers if their power goes out? Most power tool woodworkers will have to twiddle their thumbs next to a plastic flashlight. But not traditional woodworkers! Last night a Virginia storm knocked out our electricity, but I didn’t have to stop woodworking!
I was able to continue working on my mortise and tenon picture frame, just like my ancestors would have done. Not only are hand tools safer, quieter, and more portable, but they can be used “off the grid”!
...

Intro-
I’ve been using a lot of wooden planes recently and have really come to enjoy their lightness and the feel of wood sliding on wood. Obviously there are a ton of vintage woodies out there; however, I quite enjoy making my own versions of them. They are a lot cheaper (if you have some time on your hands) and you don’t have to deal with old warped wood and a host of other problems you may encounter. I can’t say I am an expert by any means, I’m simply sharing my...

By Joshua Farnsworth (Writer at WoodAndShop.com)
This above video is a continuation of my amazing recent visit, with my family, to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, Virginia. Click here to see the previous video and photos.
Steven Gallagher took time to give me a tour of his mid-19th Century tool chest. I love old tools, so this was like Christmas for me!
We also had a really great time talking about handle making. I was surprised to see that he uses the same method...

Step 10 is one of my favorite steps, because you get to see the true beauty reveal itself in the wood, and the grain patterns shine forth! I’ll admit it, I’m not one of those woodworkers who love complex finish recipes, but I love making it as simple as possible. In the above video I introduced quite a few of the well-known finishes used by woodworkers (there’s probably a lot more) but I encourage everyone to experiment and find out which finishes they like the best.
My favorite, easies...

Every project has different requirements for assembling, gluing, and clamping, but these videos can help with some basic tips. It’s important to have plenty of clamps so you don’t miss clamping a vital area of a project.
9.1 Fastening
I used to think that using nails, and other fasteners, wasn’t part of traditional woodworking. But then I took a week-long class at Roy Underhill’s “Woodwright School” and learned that cut nails and other fasteners is actually very traditional. And it’s...

People called “Joiners” cut joints in wood, in order to get the wood to fit (and stay) together. There are many, many different joints for many different applications. I’ll keep adding joinery videos below (I’m starting with the more basic joints and will move on to more complex joints), so keep checking back. Before watching the videos, checkout this cool woodworking joint chart! (credit: David Royce).
8.1 Learn How to Cut Dovetail Joints
Here’s a very detailed 15 step video t...

Before you can accurately cut joints to fit your wood together, you need to learn to accurately measure and layout your work pieces. My below videos will help you understand the different marking, measuring, & layout tools. They’ll also show you how to use them! If you don’t see what you’re looking for, don’t worry…I’m always adding more videos!
Understanding Marking, Measuring, & Layout Tools:
Precision is a major key to enjoying woodworking with hand tools. But, like all...

In order for wood joints to fit together properly and for edges to glue together tightly your boards need to be perfectly square, straight, and smooth. Although this process isn’t as quick as “milling” boards through power tools, it doesn’t take all that long, and is much more satisfying. Check out the video tutorials below, and choose your favorite!
My Favorite Videos about Dimensioning & Squaring Boards with Hand Tools:
Here are a few of my favorite videos about squaring and pr...

You can definitely find plans for furniture and projects that other woodworkers have built, but I personally love the creative bliss that comes from designing my own projects. I also love looking at furniture in antique stores and on Pinterest to get ideas (See my Pinterest photos). But I always customize for my available space.
Use Free Woodworking Design Software
Ever since I was a kid I have drawn my “inspired” furniture sketches in a sketch book (or the back of a napkin), but...